Meet Mariola: The Creative Force Behind Food Room's Unique Events

HELLO

I’m Mariola Ustaran, the proud owner of Food Room. In 2017, after concluding a fulfilling chapter in my corporate career, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business—with a mix of nerves and a whole lot of enthusiasm!

What began as a cooking school for enthusiasts quickly evolved into a venture offering private chef services and catering, steadily growing year by year.

From Little Explorer to Global Gastronome

My love for food traces back to my childhood. Thanks to my parents, I had the opportunity to travel from a young age, tasting diverse dishes and recipes. I’ve always been curious and passionate about all things related to food and cooking. Despite this passion, most of my professional life unfolded in the realm of business management. Initially in the hospitality sector and later in consulting and training.

Tasting Life's Richness Through Global Cuisine

In 1992, filled with excitement, I moved to Glion sur Montreux, Switzerland, to pursue a degree in Hotel Management. The world of hospitality captured my heart, and after completing my studies, I was fortunate to secure a Management Training role at the Tamanaco Hotel in Caracas, Venezuela. Over the years, I worked in various cities—Caracas, Miami, Chicago, and Austin—for the Intercontinental chain in the Food and Beverage department. This kept me close to kitchens, both during work hours and in my free time, as I’d seize any opportunity to enjoy a good arepa, explore noteworthy restaurants, or savour an excellent Texan barbecue training.

A Culinary Odyssey from Sevilla to Central America and Beyond

In 2001, I returned to Sevilla, where my entire family resided. I shifted my focus to training and consulting, travelling extensively throughout Central America—especially Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. I made it a point to sample the most typical and traditional dishes of each country whenever work allowed. During those years, when I had no commitments tying me down, I dedicated my vacations to globe-trotting, indulging in the rich culinary offerings of Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, and beyond.

A Culinary Haven in Guadalmina, Marbella

After a decade as the manager of a Hotel Management School on the Costa del Sol, I decided to make this wonderful place my permanent home. I opened my small business in Guadalmina, Marbella, where I’ve been living with my husband and son ever since. Today, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be doing something I’m truly passionate about. Cooking, organizing events, and connecting with people from around the world bring me immense joy.

I’d prefer to say “we” do everything with heart, as I’m never alone in this adventure. My partner in crime, Janne Ribeiro from Brazil, accompanies me. Not only is she an amazing person, but she’s also detail-oriented, highly professional, and shares a sprinkle of the same madness as me. Together, we can turn any dream—big or small—into reality. So, reach out and let’s make it happen!

Happy customers

    
 
 
        
   Barb Feyka 
 9 August 2023
 
 
  Why only 5 stars? They deserve 100 stars. Excellent food, service, presentation and always pleasant and helpful.  Perfection!
  
 
       
   Mer Zam sa 
 5 July 2023
 
 
  Muy buena técnica y personal dedicado en los cursos, recomendable 100#
  
 
       
   Tamara Oyarzabal 
 4 April 2023
 
 
  Hicimos dos Open Houses con Food Room. Un servicio increíble, la comida y la presentación espectacular y Mariola y su equipo fueron puntuales, super amables y eficientes en todo el proceso (cotizaciones, opciones de comida, facturación y por supuesto, para los eventos). Son una joya, os recomiendo Food Room al 100%. Gracias Mariola!
  
 
       
   Helena Olcina 
 27 January 2023
 
 
  Maravilloso lugar para cualquier celebración que busque la diferenciación y el buen gusto.
  
 
       
   Serenditipi Events 
 27 January 2023
 
 
  Atención personalizada, un servicio ameno y agradable, el establecimiento no le falta un detalle, repetiría sin duda.
  
 
       
   Ines Castellanos Garcia 
 27 January 2023
 
 
  Fantástico taller dirigido por Mariola .
Preciosa puesta en escena ideal anfitriona .
  
 
       
   Gema Díaz Caracuel 
 27 January 2023
 
 
  Ha sido una gran experiencia. Mariola y Janne son unas grandes anfitrionas y profesoras de cocinas. Solo decir que la comida estaba riquísima! Repetiremos! 😊
  
 
       
   Beatriz Bermejo Pita 
 27 January 2023
 
 
  Un lugar increíble para cocinar comer beber y pasar un rato maravilloso, Mariola un 10!!! Recomendable 100% la experiencia
  
 
       
   Isabel Merello Vilar 
 13 January 2023
 
 
  Celebramos la cena de Navidad de nuestra empresa con Food Room, y no pudimos quedar mas satisfechos.
Mariola y su equipo fueron super profesionales y encantadoras.
Desde el principio todo resultó muy sencillo, las propuestas que nos enviaron estaban muy completas y había variedad para todos los gustos.
Durante el servicio apenas notamos que estaban por allí, y cuando los platos empezaban a bajar enseguida llegaba alguna de ellas para reponer las estaciones y que todo saliera perfecto.
La calidad de todo fue fantástica, y en cuanto terminaron dejaron la zona de trabajo como si no hubiese pasado nadie por allí.
Ha sido una gran experiencia contar con vosotras y estoy segura de que repetiremos.
Si tenéis que planificar un evento y queréis luciros con vuestros invitados, aquí tenéis la manera más sencilla. El feedback de mi equipo fue increíble.
Altamente recomendados!
Pd: Las fotos son regulares, pero una vez salió la comida, los asistentes se lanzaron a por ella y esto es todo lo que tengo!
Muchas gracias por todo!!!
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 30 reviews